Top Russian Diplomat: Idlib Militants Who Refuse to Lay Down Arms Will Be ‘Arrested or Eliminated’

Idlib militants who refuse to lay down arms and continue attacks on government forces have to be arrested or eliminated, Russia’s Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East Mikhail Bogdanov told the country’s state-run news agency RIA Novosti on October 6.

He stated that this attitude has been repeatedly declared by Russia and its partners, including the internationally recognized government in Damascus.

Bogdanov added that Russia continues contacts with Turkey on the situation in Idlib in the framework of the agreement reached by the sides on September 17.

It should be noted that according to the reached agreement a 15-25km deep demilitarized zone has to be established between the government-controlled area and areas in Idlib, northern Lattakia and western Aleppo controlled by militants. The zone is set to be fully established by October 20.